Protected Areas and Regional Development in Europe: Towards a New Model for the 21st Century (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780754648017)

While originally created as reserves for beautiful landscapes and endangered species, protected areas in Europe were subsequently used as a means to preserve whole ecosystems, with restrictions on human activities and impacts. More recently, protected areas are also being considered as instruments for regional development, particularly in marginal regions facing severe economic and socio-cultural problems. Contrary to previous conservation-focused policies, new approaches aim to blend conservation and development functions, making protected areas real 'living landscapes' and integrating activities such as agriculture, forestry, handicrafts, tourism and education with the conservation and sustainability aspects. The past decade has seen a marked increase in these innovative and dynamic types of protected areas. However, the policies of individual European countries are very varied. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of the relationship between protected areas and regional development policies, both in theory and practice. Illustrated with a wide range of case studies from across Europe, it compares the different concepts, strategies and instruments being used. In conclusion, it suggests the most innovative and successful ways to use protected areas for regeneration and sustainable regional development.

Author: Ingo Mose
ISBN-10: 075464801X
ISBN-13: 9780754648017
Publisher: Routledge
Language: English
Published: 05/28/2007
Pages: 272
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.23lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.63d